Alberta premier highlights energy priorities at Calgary luncheon

B.C.'s premier has had a change of heart over his objection to an Alberta pipeline run through his province, but it comes with a caveat.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith believes the future of Canada’s oil and gas sector is bright.

She delivered a keynote address to a major energy industry luncheon in Calgary on Monday.

The annual State of the Industry luncheon, hosted by the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors (CAOEC) and the Explorers and Producers Association of Canada (EPAC), brought together drilling contractors, producers and service-sector leaders from across the province.

Smith addressed hundreds of Canadian energy sector workers, discussing plans for the energy sector and reiterating her belief that a pipeline to B.C.’s northern coast can happen through discussions.

“We want to get as much buy-in and we want to have as much benefit for British Columbians as we possibly can. And that includes British Columbia First Nations,” Smith said.

“We just want pipelines to be boring again, to quote the prime minister.”

The day started with a new drilling and service-rig forecast from CAOEC president Mark Scholz.

“In 2025, we created over 80,000 jobs,” said Scholz.

“And so when we start thinking about growing this industry again, when we start thinking about removing the barriers, increasing production, getting access to broader markets, that means we’re going to be putting more people to work.”

Smith said last week’s memorandum of understanding with Ottawa “turned the tide” on federal energy policy.

The deal includes changes to emissions policy, electricity regulations and federal legislation affecting major projects.

B.C.’s premier has also had a change of heart over his objection to an Alberta pipeline going through his province, but it comes with a major caveat: the federal tanker ban must remain in place.

Speaking with CTV’s Question Period, David Eby said he is willing to discuss a new pipeline, a project that falls under federal jurisdiction, provided the current environmental safeguard is maintained.

“If we can agree that the oil tanker ban is going to stay in place, then let’s have those conversations,” said Eby.

“I think that would make life a lot better and easier in British Columbia in terms of our relationship with coastal First Nations.”

The pivot comes just days after the MOU was signed.

A bitumen pipeline project has long faced staunch criticism from B.C.’s premier and coastal First Nations due to environmental concerns, particularly around the Hecate Strait.

Kinder Morgan Canada’s former president, who was in charge of the TMX pipeline before it was bought by Ottawa, says markets dictate any new routes.

“Is it Kitimat? Is it Prince Rupert? Is it Vancouver? Do we go back to Vancouver and build another pipe along the existing Trans Mountain route, which is always an alternative?” said Ian Anderson.

The federal government maintains that any interprovincial pipeline requires widespread agreement.

“If the provinces and the Indigenous Peoples are in agreement, then there is a pathway to actually make that happen,” said federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin.

Alberta has until July 1 to submit a pipeline proposal to the Major Projects Office.